A/N : Thank you for my first ever reviews! I love you all! You've made my day. I hope this is okay :)
Enjoy.
x
I opened the car door, sliding into the passenger seat tentatively, not really believing he stayed... probably wanted to ask me to get lost...
''I'm sorry!'' we blurted out at the same time, making us both nervously chuckle. Okay, he was a Cullen alright, always polite. Even when his sister's boring best friend throws herself at you.
''I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made you uncomfortable... I mean we only just met, and I've already messed up and I really wanted to be friends with you and-'' He ran his hand through his hair as he babbled. He messed up? Err no... And why was he apologising to me?
''Edward, stop. It was me. I shouldn't h-have thrown myself at you. I'm sorry. Can we forget about it? And you didn't urm... make me uncomfortable.'' At this he smiled at me, relieved, shaking his head slightly. I blushed knowing it had made me the opposite of uncomfortable... I was still buzzing. ''But maybe we could rewind a bit? I mean like you said... we only just met...'' I continued.
''I agree. I'd really like to be friends with you, Bella.''
''Me too.'' I said, smiling, trying to hide the fact I was staring at his kissable lips, remembering their soft but firm touch.
''Okay, we had better go and get the DVD... they'll be wondering where we a-'' he was cut off by my phone ringing. I glanced down at my phone as I pulled it out of my pocket to see it displaying 'Alice calling...'
''It's Ali, I better answer otherwise she'll just keep ringing...''
He nodded, and smoothly pulled away from my house.
'Where are you! You're taking agggeeess. Hurry up!' she ordered. I could just picture her pacing with her hand on her hip.
''Sorry Alice, we got um...chatting?'' it came out more like a question, causing Edward to grin crookedly at me. I let out a long breath. Boy was I glad we could get passed the awkwardness. ''We are going to get the DVD now...'' I said tightly, constricted through my smile.
'Fine... Be quick!' she said, suspiciously, and hung up. I let out a giggle.
''She says hurry up.'' I concluded to him, making he chuckled.
We talked casually for the rest of the journey, talking about most things and generally getting to know each other. I found out that he had gotten on very well with Carlisle's Aunt, who had died last year. He was obviously upset by this as he spoke sadly with fondness. I think she was the mother figure from him whist Esme and Carlisle were separate. We continued to chat and soon enough we were back at the Cullen's, having picked The Notebook due to it being Alice, Rose and one of my favourite films. I tried to persuade him not to, but no such luck.
We walked in to find Emmett and Rose curled up on the loveseat, Jasper and Alice leaning against an armchair, wrapped together, and a spare sofa... I stood staring at it, not sure whether he wanted to sit next to me or not, when he grabbed my hand as he walked past and pulled me onto the couch. I landed with a thump, knocking the air out of me slightly.
''Idiot. You could have just said that you didn't mind.'' I scolded, smacking his arm with my free hand, revelling in non-ruined new friendship. It felt like I'd known him a long time.
He chuckled. ''But it's less fun that way.'' I scowled at him.
We sat with a few inches between us, but still holding hands, the current of warmth flowing strong. Alice eyed our link warily. He let go abruptly making my hand feel cold, and gave me an apologetic look. I forced a reassuring smile. I missed the contact.
''Okay, so what DVD did to pick? Please be something good!'' Emmett asked, rubbing his hands together.
''The Notebook, it's all the girls' favourite so I thought we could watch it.'' He smiled at me as I rolled my eyes. Emmett's face dropped, making me stifle a giggle.
''I did try to tell him not to, but he's as stubborn as the rest of you.'' I grumbled, crossing my arms.
''Well to be honest, I'd like to watch it... I've never seen it.'' Edward replied with a grin, whilst Emmett huffed.
''But I wanted to watch some action, man! Not some sappy film, that makes you all cry.'' We all ignored him.
Alice put it in and snuggled next to Jasper. They are being very open with their affections recently. Rosalie looked at me pointedly then to Alice and Jasper and then back to me. She was thinking it too. I hope they had finally realised they were perfect for each other; they were practically a married couple anyway the way they acted.
He had his arm around her shoulders, gazing down at her snuggled into his chest. That was new. They even looked in love. You could practically feel it radiating off of them. That wasn't new... I smirked at Rose, and then glanced at Edward. He was looking at me curiously, raising an eyebrow. I shot a suggesting look at Alice and then looked back at him. Realisation spread over his face. He grinned, mischievously causing me to frown, confused. What was he planning...?
''So Rosalie, how long have you been with Em now?'' Rose grinned knowingly, having caught on, leaving me behind still. Emmett was too interested in her cleavage, as she was sat on his lap and apparently couldn't focus on anything else...
''Urm 5 years now, I think. And he hasn't grown up any more than he had then.'' She slapped the back of his head, grabbing his attention. He looked up, disorientated causing me to giggle. I was very aware that Edward chuckled, too.
''You expected him to?'' He smirked. ''Emmett's got the mental age of a 5 year old... What about you and Jasper, little Pixie?'' He hinted, winking at me. I tried to conceal my urge to giggle as they glanced up, both blushing.
''Urm... w-we... um...''
''Well, y-you see... w-''
''Are you not together...? You act so like a couple...'' He was playing them well and looked perfectly innocent. I'd never known a speechless Alice.
''Oh you see, Eddie, those two are in love, but neither will admit it. They have constant goo-goo eyes, and have to be touching at alllll times. They are perfect for each other, man! But they can't see it, the dumbasses... Since they met they've been like this, all love-at-first-sighty, and will continue to be until Jazz gets some balls, and tells her how he feels because that jackass James ruined my little sister's heart, as we all remember vividly. I say we do something about it. Now Jasper, you love the Pixie yeah, man?''
Jasper nodded, his eyes wide. None of us had ever heard Emmett talk for so long about something in detail. Personally I didn't think his head could take it, but now I realised that he may be a lot smarter than he'd been letting on... he had clearly noticed what we all had.
''You love him too, Pix?'' He asked a surprised looking Ali, to which she nodded slightly. ''Okay, I now pronounce you girlfriend and boyfriend! Enjoy!'' He finished with a huge toothy grin, giving Rose a long kiss in celebration.
Alice squealed at an impossible pitch and threw herself at Jasper, connecting their lips whilst sitting in his lap. He was surprised but soon realised what she was doing, and eagerly returned it. I giggled and looked at Edward, who had a massive grin on his face.
Just then the Universal music appeared, and the world spun onto the screen, showing the starting of the film.
The film was great, as always. I cried at the end when Allie forgot who Noah was, and when they died together. I loved that film. The only bad thing was the groans being emitted from across the room, as Em molested Rose...
As the credits started to roll, Alice stopped the film and switched the lights on, interrupting the making out session. We all went to glare at them, but soon noticed that Em's hand was wedged into Rose's bra, with her tongue down his throat. We all groaned and looked away.
''Em! Rose! The movie's finished!'' Alice scolded.
''Get a room, guys.'' Jasper said with a yawn. ''Let's go to sleep, otherwise we'll be shattered tomorrow...''
We all nodded the happy couple finally became decent and stumbled upstairs. I did not want to know what they would be doing tonight. Errgh...
''Have they gone upstairs to...?'' Edward asked, shifting uncomfortably.
''Yup.'' Alice confirmed, acceptingly.
''I recommend staying downstairs tonight, man, unless you want to hear about Emmett's 'size' or the way Rose groans...'' Jasper warned with a disgusted look on his face.
Edward shuddered. ''No thanks. Ergh...''
''Come on Bella, let's grab our pj's. Don't worry, I brought them downstairs already!'' She smirked, skipping past me, into the bathroom hallway. I followed, entering the room behind her.
''Here is yours. Put them on.'' She handed me some cloth, and walked out. ''Be quick!'' she hissed as she shut the door.
I opened them out, and discovered why she smirked. They weren't pyjamas! They were practically underwear... Oh god. There's no way. No way whatsoever. I stood staring at the intimidating pieces of cloth for a minute or two, deciding if it was worth a run for it, until:
''Put them on, Isabella Marie Swan. Now.'' She ordered. Psychic Pixie. I huffed, and pulled on the tiny dark blue shorts and the white tank top, and looked in the mirror. I didn't look too bad, just showing way too much skin than I was comfortable with. You could also see my bruise, which was slowly dying down. I opened the door, to see her waiting outside. She bounded in and started fixing things on me. She pulled out my hair band, fluffing it out; tweaked my top; and pulled my shorts up slightly, exposing my legs more.
''Ali, I'm not dressing up to go out! I'm about to go to sleep!'' I said, flapping away her hands. ''Shoo! I'm going to the couch. Night night.'' She stuck out her tongue, and went to change too.
I made my way into the living room, pulling down the shorts a bit, covering as much of my legs as I could; about 2 centimetres... I scowled. Jasper grinned, knowingly. They all knew about Alice's techniques and that I was her personal Barbie, yet they never helped me. I stuck my tongue out.
''Thanks for the help, Whitlock.''
I flopped down back on the couch next to Edward. His feet were resting on the table in front us, and he looked sleepy.
''Are you tired from the flight? Perhaps we should sleep now...'' I inquired, curling my legs underneath me. He rubbed his eyes, opening them properly, and looked at me. His eyes widened as he gazed at my bare legs. His eyes shot up to meet mine as I blushed darkly. There was a slight tinge of pink on his cheeks. I grabbed my hoodie off of the floor and pulled it on, feeling much better. He cleared his throat, then yawned.
''Only if that alright with you guys...?'' Jazz and I nodded and he turned out the light, settling back into position with his head lolled back and his eyes closed. Alice danced back in and snuggled up to Jasper, pulling a sleeping bag over them. I pulled up a blanket and snuggled underneath, resting my head on Edward's shoulder. He slowly brought his arm around my shoulders, and I fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
x ~ x ~ x
''Aww, they look so cute!'' a whisper woke me up from the best night's sleep I had had in years.
''Should we wake them?''
''No, they look comfy.''
''I'm hungry, Rosie. Can we go and have breakfast, pleeeaaase?''
''Okay, come on guys...''
I heard the soft footsteps move across the room, and fell back into a heavy slumber.
I was warm and comfortable. Very comfortable. I could feel a body beside me. I wiggled slightly, trying to figure out where my body parts were. As I moved I was pulled tighter into the hold I was in, making me revel in the comfort of the warm buzz from the person's touch. Edward's.
I snuggled my face further into the crook of his neck, not wanting to leave the warmth. I was sat half onto his lap. I had one leg curled underneath me, and the top leg bent over his lap, almost straddling him. My arms were wrapped around his waist, squeezing him tightly. He was holding me just as firmly with one arm around my waist and the other hand holding on my thigh that was resting on his lap. We were cosy, and I'd never felt more content. I grinned, enjoying the feeling of this amazing guy, holding me to him. I felt so safe and happy. I wanted to squeal like Alice.
''Mornin'.'' I felt a rumble through the chest my head was pressed against, his voice thick with sleep. He squeezed my thigh, sweetly.
''Morning.'' I smiled against his neck, squeezing him back. He buried his face further into my hair, inhaling? Hhmm...
Someone cleared their throat, loudly. Oops... my head shot up, as did Edward's, to meet a room full of our family... yes, even Esme... Carlisle must have already gone to work. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, looked down, and noticed that our laps were covered in the blanket still. At least some decency had been sustained...
I blushed brightly, taking an arm away from his waist. I started to fiddle with my short's seams whilst waiting for some sort of silence-breaker.
''So... you two slept comfortably?'' Emmett, of course. All the girls giggled and Jasper chuckled. My blush got redder.
''Urm yeah...'' Edward answered, rubbing my thigh with his thumb inconspicuously under the blanket. I could feel the heat from his touch, smouldering. I was losing it. I'd never wanted a man in my life... now all of a sudden I was thinking thoughts that I was not proud of. And the heat between my legs; so new. Our kiss had been heated, literally like fireworks. Cliché I know. ''Urm... what's the time?''
''It's just gone 8 o'clock, dear. School is in an hour, don't forget.'' She spoke kindly, with a knowing smile..? She left the room then, to finish getting ready for work. I glanced up and looked at the reactions of our friends.
Alice was bouncing on the edge of her seat, her lips pressed together containing what was bursting to come out. Jasper was sat next to her, smiling at us, as was Rosalie, but hers was more of a smirk... And Emmett had on a big toothy grin. With his dimples.
''So, is there anything you want to tell us? Eddie? Peanut?'' he hinted, wiggling his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes.
''Peanut?'' Edward moved his gaze to Emmett, questioningly.
''Yup. She's just so damn tiny and light, man! Like a peanut.;' Rose rolled her eyes, and a giggle burst out of Alice's lips, but they were soon sealed again.
''Emmett entertains us daily with new Bella nicknames.'' Rose explained, "Shorty, Midget, Half-Pint..." she continued, counting them on her fingers.
A whimper came from Alice who was gripping her mouth shut with both hands.
''Spit it out, Ali.'' I sighed. She let out a high pitch squeal.
''You're in for it now. I told her not to say anything and you just broke the spell...'' Jazz mumbled quietly.
''Are you guys together then? Oh that's so cute! I can't believe we left it this long to introduce you? I mean I knew something would happen, but that was once you'd arrived with Dad, Edward, but I can't believe I didn't see it before! You're perfect together! Oh Bella, I'm so glad I made you wear those shorts last night, I bet your loving that Edward?'' she giggled, wiggling her eyebrows. ''I mean I was going to add some lip-gloss but I think you should work you natural look. You're very pretty. But then again I tell you enough and you never believe me. Anyways, oh I'm so excited! We can triple date and everything! Ooo tomorrow we could g-''
''Alice! Stop! Breathe...'' Rose took hold of the situation. ''You two. Speak please?'' She shot us an expectant look. Edward cleared his throat.
''We're friends, and obviously unintentionally ended up like this in the night.'' He rubbed my leg still, as he said this. Telling me we would chat later.
''Sorry to disappoint you Alice, but everything is just friendly, not more.'' I forced out. I wanted nothing more than what Ali had said to be true. That we were together, but we only met yesterday. God, how could I become so entranced in 24 hours!
Alice's face turned smug. ''Fine. Deny it all you want. It'll happen in the end. Time to get you dressed!'' With that, she skipped over, grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs. I groaned the whole way, looking back pleadingly at Edward.
''Save me!'' I shouted, dramatically. He grinned so I stuck my tongue out at him. ''Fine. But don't think I'll help you today at your new school, at all!'' and with that I was dragged up the last few steps and into Alice's large bedroom. I loved her room. It was beautiful, with one wall painted a dark purple and the others a light lilac colour. She had large flowing white netting hanging as show curtains, even though there were blinds, and a huge double bed, big enough for more than two. More than once, Rose, Alice and I had just crashed here together, with more than enough room.
She pulled out some bags, and emptied them onto the bed. I waited, knowing there was no way I wasn't going to get away and not be dressed by the Pixie. She pulled out several clothes, shoved them into my arms.
''Put them on.'' I glared at her. ''Please?'' She pouted. I could never resist the Cullen pout. She pushed out her bottom lip and looked up at me with puppy-dog eyes. I huffed and started to pull on the clothes. She'd seen it all before, no point hiding.
The outfit today was alright and quite close to my taste. I had on some dark blue skinny jeans, white ballet flats, a white vest top and a blue cardigan. The cardigan was done up fully so you could only see a triangle of white where the top was. She then pushed me onto the bed and kneeled behind me, brushing my hair. Pulling back sides out of my face with two slides, she huffed.
''You okay, Ali?'' I questioned.
''Yeah...'' I turned around, her hands falling from my hair, and sat cross-legged in front of her.
''Mary Alice Cullen. Spill.'' I took her hands in mine and looked at her waiting.
''I wanted you to be with my brother.'' She said it quietly, not like Alice. She really meant it. Happiness shot through me right from my toes to the top of my head. She meant it.
The same shock that had coursed through me when he had kissed me, his lips warm and sure against mine. The jolt was warm, intense and made my whole body fizz with energy, want and need. Only he made me feel that way. I had never experienced anything like it before…his beautiful face, mouth, body, his soft hands and crooked smile. His hair that was utterly uncontrollable and insanely sexy. All of it, all of him made my body burn. My stomach twisted as I thought about the way he had spoken to me, the softness of his touch and voice as he helped me. I thought about the magnetism his body had over mine when I was standing so close to him and the way that I had wanted to be even closer to him.
My mouth hung open in surprise. She was on our side! Her approval was the only thing stopping me the evening before, in the car, and now I knew she was on board we could maybe see each other that way! If he wanted... not that he would. My happiness dissolved inside of me, sinking to the bottom of my stomach. Why would he? He could get any girl, and they would all want him. He could pick whoever he wanted, so why would he pick me? I'm Bella Swan. I'm certainly not a Lauren or Jessica, with big breasts and tiny legs. And we were being friends anyway, so I would take what I could. I would be the best best friend there has ever been. I'd be closer to him than any of the bimbo's, and be around much longer.
A smile rose back onto my face. It would be fine.
''We're just friends, Alice. I mean, I like him, but I think we're going to be friends.''
''But I want you to be together together. I can wait though. It will happen, I promise.'' As she spoke, she was back to her normal self. ''I can see it. You will be together. Turn back around, please. I need to finish you hair!''
I think I had a little whiplash from her mood change.
30 minutes later, I was officially allowed to leave the bedroom. We made our way downstairs and into the kitchen, where everyone was gathered drinking or eating. Or drinking and eating in Emmett's case, which was not a nice sight.
''Emmett Cullen! Behave your age not you shoe size please!" Esme's firm voice drifted over from the dinning room attached to the kitchen. They were separated by the breakfast bar at which we were all sat.
Emmett's shoulders drooped. He placed the glass of juice back onto the counter, swallowed his mouthful of waffle and picked up the glass again. He then made a large show of having his little finger pointing straight, sipping the tiniest of sips and placing it back down.
''That juice was simply delicious, Mummykins. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'' he stated in a posh voice. Laughter bubbled up inside of me, but I pushed it down, not wanting to encourage him.
There was silence, until Esme snorted and the room erupted into laughter.
''Okay, my lovelies, off to school you go. I need to get to work.'' She said, placing her plate into the dishwasher. Esme worked from home, mainly, designing other people's interiors with a sketch pad and pencils. She was extremely skilled in art and it still blew me away. She made her way down the corridor to her study.
''Bye Mom!'' We chorused out as we grabbed our bags. Ali grabbed us two apples for our breakfast. Thanks to her Bella Barbie sessions, we had missed the nice breakfast Esme had made, and now I was stuck with a measly apple.
''Gee, thanks, Ali.'' I said, rolling my eyes.
''Oh shush. You look amazing. It was worth it.'' She replied, skipping off to join Jazz at the door.
''Hey,'' a velvet voice appeared beside me.
"Hi," My inner girlie voice was going he's talking to me! He's talking to me!
"Do you want to ride to school with me today?" He looked slightly nervous as he asked me, his eyes darting around me. I don't know why. We all knew what my answer would be…
"Yeah, okay." I fiddled with my sleeves to avoid being lost in the emeralds that he saw through.
x ~ x ~ x
It was only Edward and I in the Volvo; Emmett and Rosie went in Em's jeep, as usual, and Ali and Jasper went in Jazz's car, where I usually was too. But not today! I smiled all the way there.
We chatted about little things on the short journey. I hung on his every word and lapped up all the new information until we reached Forks High.
The day continued normally, apart from the long stares from fellow pupils all day at Edward. Hotward drew a lot of attention. The girls around school practically stalked him, shooting me dirty looks at the fact we were friend. I shot them right back.
Edward stuck to me throughout the day, asking me about the school and how to get to his classes. I wasn't sure why he asked me, when his brother and sister were with us for a majority of the time… Not that I minded. Any opportunity to speak to him made my day. Anyway, the day was going great. Until lunch.
"Come on! You know you want to."
"Nope."
"My smooth ride would be so much more comfortable. Better than your monstrosity."
"My monstrosity? I'll have you know, my truck is awesome. Anyway, how do you even know what my car is?"
"Emmett. And the fact I can see it from my house. And hear it." Edward chuckled.
I jokingly slapped the back of my hand towards his stomach, which he dodged quickly, laughing harder. I huffed, trying to keep a straight face.
"Fine. I'll go in your posh car. If I get something in return…"
"And what would that be, little Swan?" He asked, curiously, as we wandered through the tables in the lunch hall.
"Hmmm… I get t-" Suddenly blonde filled my vision.
"Heyyy! I'm Jessica Stanley. You're Edward, right? Come and sit with us. We'll help you get comfortable… you know, with the school." She was right up against his chest, placing a palm against it as she spoke suggestively towards him. I think she thought she was sexy… Her nasal voice and fakeness really cancelled out any attractiveness.
"Hi. Er, no thank you, Jessica. I think I'd like to sit with Bella, but it was nice to meet you." He picked up her hand, removing it from its advances, and started to walk towards our table with me. Her mouth hung open.
"Excuuuse me!" she screeched, marching up to us. "I think you'll find out very quickly, that my friends and I don't offer out this invitation to just anyone," she sneered, looking disgustedly at me, "It's a privilege to be asked. It's because you're new, and don't know the social groups in this school, but you're making a mistake by sitting with that," another look at me, "and I feel sorry for you, as you'll have a torturous lunch, whilst wishing you were over here with me." And with that, she placed a hand on her hip, spun around, and walked back to her seat.
The whole lunch hall was silent. Someone had turned down Jessica Stanley.
"Come on, Bella. Let's go to the others." Edward spoke quietly, nudging me towards the table. He had a smirk on his face, obviously amused by the immature blonde bimbo. A large grin filled my face.
"You do realize you just made me like you a little bit more?" I laughed, "No one tells Jess 'no'! Ever!"
Lunch carried on as normal, apart from the extra buzz caused by Jessica's intrusion. We were just finishing when I looked over to Jessica's table and was met by a cold stare. All of the girls on their table were looking at me like I had cheated on them with their boyfriends. Like they wanted to kill me.
A feeling of dread rose up my body as I realised the implications of Edward's refusal. They blamed me. And I would have to suffer the consequences from my actions.
I hugged extra close to the group whilst we wandered to class, not wanting the opportunity to be spotted by Lauren or Jessica. My last lesson was Biology, with Edward, so at least I could be with someone, even if Jessica was in my class. At least she was in my eyesight then.
We settled down into the lesson, and it was about half way through when one of the year 7's came into the classroom.
"Mr Banner?" She said, anxiously, obviously not liking the attention from the whole class.
"Hello Hannah, how can I help you?"
"Urm, Mr Helmer would like to see Isabella Swan." Mr Helmer was the Head Teacher. He was a nice man, and the only times I had been called to his office were for good reasons so I wasn't worried.
"Go on, Bella. Edward can give you his notes from the rest of this lesson." Mr Banner smiled, as Hannah scampered from the room.
I grabbed my things, shoved them into my bag and made my out the door after a hurried 'bye' to Edward. I made my way down the corridor and out of the door. We had to go between buildings to get to the Head's office. It was dusky outside due to heavy clouds and the fact it was October; this was the bad ting about Forks.
"Hey, Bella?" Jessica.
I spun around to find her following me down the path between the buildings. She was smiling, with what seemed to be, a genuine smile, and jogging to catch me up. I became suspicious. Jess was only nice when she wanted something, and I'd put money on that being a certain new guy in my life. No freaking way was that going to happen to my… my friend.
"Jessica?" I turned around to face her, cautiously, as she reached me.
"Listen, I wanted to apologise for what happened on Monday… I mean, I should have just let you have Mike. If you really want him that much, you can have him," she said, patronisingly, adding another smile.
"Urm, I don't want him, Jess, I just didn't think he wanted you." Her smile tightened.
"Well, anyway, I was just letting you know. I think it would be wise of you to take this opportunity and be with Mike. After all, I'm having Edward." Ahh, here we go. The brunt of the matter. My blood started to boil as she spoke about them as if they were toys, not almost fully grown men. How dare she…
"You know what, Jess? Try what you like. There is no fucking way you're getting what you want this time, but you're certainly not going to stop me being friends with every guy that you decide to play with." I steamed, spinning round to walk away, but I didn't get that far. Behind me stood the rest of them. Lauren, Tanya, Becky and Liz. And beside them, trying to look tough, was little Hannah.
The Head Teacher wanting me had just been a set up. My heart started to beat a little faster as they stalked towards me.
A/N : Hope this is alright. Let me know what you think!
Saga Lover
xxxxx